She might not have run a marathon before, but Meg’s bursting with enthusiasm for the challenge ahead. Her primary goal is to finish, but given her current level of fitness, she’s also hoping to go sub-4:30 on her debut.

Meg will be using our sub-4:30 Garmin-ready schedule (devised by former London Marathon winner Mike Gratton) as a basis for her training and will be mentored by Liz Yelling directly on this thread (starting January 5).

She’ll be posting her training progress on a regular basis, and feedback the fuel and hydration advice given to her by the team at Lucozade Sport so make sure you check back regularly to find out how she gets on.

You can read more about Meg’s running background and goals by clicking on the article link at the top of the thread.

Hey Meg - was just scrolling down the list of runners & riders and surprised to see a familiar face. Good luck, and hopefully catch up with you and Andy after the race. Am still trying to persuade Big Jon to enter

not too horendous considering!!! Managed a few decent runs this week. Managed to stay off booze except for a glass of champagne on 25th!!! Knee still bit sore but nothing serious. How about you? Did you get my message re:workshops? Meg x

No chance of me staying off the booze but I have been far less sloshed than many a year past!!!

I am nearing the end of a rest week with minimal running. It is hard, I will say no more because then I will think about running and then I will want to go running and then I will get irritable and then......

I did get your message. You are really kind. The first is a definate no as we are away for that weekend with the family. I haven't decided about the March one yet because that would mean that taking the Bath and Reading Half Marathon's into account then I will be away for three weekends that month and I am not sure that is fair on the family. However I haven't fully chatted it through with Mr C yet and if I do go then you will have a lodger for the night!

Hello and welcome to Meg’s training blog where I’m going to be helping with some feedback as she works towards this year’s Flora London Marathon. I will be mentoring Meg whilst she follows the Runners World schedules. I’m hoping I might be able to help with her training and recovery, but also her motivation, mental approach to training and racing. We’re going to have a good time!

Right now is not a time for Meg to go mad and start doing huge miles. She’s keen for sure! She still has 16 weeks, which is a long time. For the first 4 weeks it is just about getting some routine into your running and keeping fresh for the really hard training phase which should start at the end of January with 12 weeks to go. By this point it’s important to feel motivated towards your marathon training and not exhausted already! Hold back now and reap the rewards of a fitness peak on the 26th April 2009.

Meg feels the schedule is much lower on miles for the first few weeks than she is currently used to. This is perfect given that Meg has just had a rest week, and is getting over a small niggle in her knee. Building gradually back into your running is important after any sort of time off. The key is for Meg to be patient, and when the end of January comes around the training will start to kick in. So make the most of these first few easy weeks. Good luck! Liz

Congratulations on winning the prize Meg well done. Just wanted to say the best of luck with your training and with Liz mentoring you I'm sure you going to sub 4.30 in your first marathon. It's my first FLM as well so I'll be keeping a close eye on your blog.

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